A variety of mold cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to building materials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. The specific method or group of methods used will depend on the type of material affected. Please note that professional remediators may use some methods not covered in these guidelines;absence of a method in the guidelines does not necessarily mean that it is not useful.

Method 1: Wet Vacuum

Wet vacuums are vacuum cleaners designed to collect water. They can be used to remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces where water has accumulated. They should not be used to vacuum porous materials, such as gypsum board. They should be used only when materials are still wet–wet vacuums may spread spores if sufficient liquid is not present. The tanks, hoses, and attachments of these vacuums should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use since mold and mold spores may stick to the surfaces.

Method 2: Damp Wipe

Whether dead or alive, mold is allergenic, and some molds may be toxic. Mold can generally be removed from nonporous (hard) surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water, or water and detergent. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. Instructions for cleaning surfaces, as listed on product labels, should always be read and followed. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded. Since molds will infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices, the mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

Method 3: HEPA Vacuum

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums are recommended for final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials removed. HEPA vacuums are also recommended for cleanup of dust that may have settled on surfaces outside the remediation area. Care must be taken to assure that the filter is properly seated in the vacuum so that all the air must pass through the filter. When changing the vacuum filter, remediators should wear PPE to prevent exposure to the mold that has been captured. The filter and contents of the HEPA vacuum must be disposed of in well-sealed plastic bags.

Method 4: Discard

Remove Damaged Materials and Seal in Plastic Bags

Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. It is important to package mold contaminated materials in sealed bags before removal from the containment area to minimize the dispersion of mold spores throughout the building. Large items that have heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before they are removed from the containment area.

Always use gloves and eye protection when cleaning up mold!

Five Step Mold and Moisture Inspection Process
If you experience unusual odors or suspect that you may have a mold problem, I can assess the indoor environmental condition of your home or building using our Five Step Mold and Moisture Inspection Process. Our test results can be ready in less than 24~72 hours for basic projects and within two weeks where samples need to incubate for identification. I uses this multi-step technique to help homeowners and business-professionals with their mold and moisture issues. Mold is everywhere, both inside our homes, office buildings and outside. A healthy building should have similar mold species indoors as outdoors with levels less than those found outdoors. It is the indoor moisture that creates the opportunity for mold to grow out of control in buildings. It is our goal to return your home or office to normal background mold levels acceptable in indoor environments.

Step One: Interview and Building History

We start by obtaining information regarding current and past problems and conditions: humidity or condensation problems, moldy odors, past or present building envelope leaks, plumbing leaks, or any visible mold. We also interview you regarding your health concerns and symptoms. While we inspect and diagnose buildings, not people, your health concerns and symptoms may coincide with changes in your indoor environment. This can help us better understand the situation. The mold inspector’s interview will help narrow down the potential causes of issues in your home or business.

Step Two: Mold Inspection

A complete visual inspection of all accessible areas of concern in your home or building is performed to locate areas of elevated moisture and other problem conditions as well as to identify any visible evidence of mold growth. We have the most technologically advanced equipment to locate areas of concern. Many problems are hidden within air conditioning systems, walls, floors, or ceilings and are concealed from view. Specialized equipment such as moisture meters, hygrometers, thermal imaging cameras and laser thermometers may be used to help find those hidden problems. Thermal imaging (infrared) cameras help identify areas of elevated moisture invisible to the naked eye. Digital photography documents these problematic conditions and provides clear evidence of your home or buildings issues. We really do make the invisible world visible.

Step Three: Mold Testing & Analysis

Mold spores in the air, on surfaces and in carpeting and upholstered furnishings can be invisible to the naked eye. Microscopic mold spores are detected by collecting samples from the air and from surfaces and analyzing them under a microscope or by culturing (growing them in a controlled laboratory environment). Typically, in addition to the inside air samples, an outdoor air sample is also collected. This is done to determine if mold spore concentrations from the indoor air are unusually high in comparison to mold spore concentrations in the outside air. It is crucial that a trained professional microscopist perform the lab analysis of the samples collected from your property. The mold inspection report you receive will include an analysis of the mold spore concentrations and types of species from an independent laboratory.

Step Four: Mold Report & Protocol

We provides you with a detailed written report
of the inspector’s findings, which may
include photo documentation,
spore levels and analysis of species,
along with the inspector’s conclusions and recommendations.
But knowing what present conditions are does not by
itself solve the problems. If requested, we have the
expertise to guide the mold remediation process by
developing a mold remediation protocol, which provides
detailed instructions to the restoration contractor on
how to perform removal and cleaning
safely and efficiently.

Step Five: Post-Remediation Verification (PRV)

This investigation is performed after remediation has been completed. A Post-Remediation Verification (PRV) survey, also known as a “Clearance Test” includes a visual inspection and moisture assessment of the construction materials that were part of the remediation work. Air and surface samples are also taken for analysis. The PRV inspection is necessary to properly assess whether or not the mold remediation was performed completely and successfully and to provide a document that can be filed for future reference should the need arise. It is our goal to create healthy buildings and property through applied science. If these steps are followed properly they will lead to a successful completion of your mold and moisture challenges and reduce or eliminate symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Moisture & Mold

Moisture and Mold Service provides diagnostic services to locate sources of water leakage or excess moisture in residential and commercial buildings.

Moisture Problems Uncontrolled moisture inside of our homes can lead to a variety of problems including comfort issues, rot and mold and health issues. Moisture problems in Florida homes are commonly caused by leaks around penetrations such as windows, chimneys and roof flashing.

Leaks can be difficult to trace to their source. Our comprehensive energy audit will report on any moisture problems observed and will recommend solutions. If you have hidden moisture problems you may need more extensive diagnostics to determine the source. Our infrared thermal imaging can detect hidden moisture in your walls or ceilings and locate the source of the problem.

Our infared imaging reveals hidden water leaks

Mold Both liquid water from leaks and water vapor condensing on surfaces can lead to mold problems. For some people mold and spore particles can lead to allergic and respiratory reactions or more rarely, mold produces toxins that can cause severe health problems.

Mold spores are everywhere, and virtually any surface can provide nutrients for mold. The key factors that determine mold growth in homes are moisture and temperature. Unfortunately, poor construction techniques, leaks and badly-performing HVAC systems can all contribute to excess moisture and make your home conducive to mold growth.

Cold spots in corners can be conducive to mold growth in the winter, while in summer outside humidity coming into the house with air leaks can lead to mold wherever cold air conditioning causes condensation. An air-conditioning system that is oversized will cool but not dehumidify properly and the excessive humidity will promote mold growth.

Eliminate the Cause to Cure the Problem If you smell or see mold you need to eliminate the cause and then clean or remove the affected materials. If you suspect mold tell your technician, who will pay special attention to tracking down the cause. Our infrared imaging can locate hidden moisture problems in ceilings, walls and roofs. We can also diagnose other causes such as high humidity or cold surfaces and help you eliminate them. Eliminate the cause to cure the problem